WINTER 2015

It’s hard to believe, but four years ago, we introduced readers to seven first-year students in our story “Meet the Class of 2012.” This spring, we caught up with two of the students we profiled, Molly Tucker and Korey O’Brien. Here, they reflect on their time at PSU and share their plans for life after college.

Molly Tucker '12

Molly TuckerOn the best part of her PSU experience: “There were so many great experiences: Leaving home and living on my own, getting to interact with so many different people and growing lasting friendships are at the top of my list. Academically, the courses I have taken in professional communications have been enjoyable–my professors taught me how to apply my classroom knowledge in potential work environments. I also really enjoyed my time working in the HUB, both as an information booth assistant and a HUB building manager. It gave me an opportunity to interact with the whole PSU community.”

On the most important things she learned at PSU: “I learned how to be more resourceful and to take responsibility for my education. If I wasn’t doing well in a course, it was my responsibility to get extra help. Socially, I learned how to get out of my comfort zone a little bit more, and be more outgoing!”

On what she might have done differently: “I wouldn’t change a thing! I had the opportunity to meet and learn from so many intelligent faculty members. There are so many great people I will miss!”

On what she’ll miss most about PSU: “PSU is such a special place, I’m going to miss so many things about it: The campus and the close-knit feel of downtown Plymouth, the beautiful White Mountains, snow days, and going to Livermore Falls in the springtime with my friends.”

On what’s next: “I’m moving back home to Connecticut for the summer to work at a nonprofit children’s museum in the membership sales department and in guest relation services, as I’ve done for the past six summers. I’m also currently interviewing for an internship at an advertising agency.”

Korey O’BrienOn the best part of his PSU experience: “Getting to know my professors on a personal level was great, and it opened

Korey O'Brien '12

up so many opportunities both academically and professionally for me, including being able to intern with the Oscar-winning writer of “On Golden Pond,” Ernest Thompson. I owe so much to them; they pushed me to do my best and it has already started to pay off.”

On the most important things he learned at PSU: “PSU pushes you to try new things. I ended up getting involved in a number of activities and organizations that I would not have seen myself in before coming here. I learned that it’s okay to be different and unique because that is ultimately what made me grow as a student and as a person.”

On what he might have done differently: “I don’t think there is anything I would do differently, I just wish there was more time to experience it all. I feel like I accomplished so much in my time here.”

On what he’ll miss most about PSU: “I started working with the Department of Residential Life in 2009 as a community advisor. No matter where I end up career-wise, I think this job will be the most interesting one I’ll ever have and I think I learned so many useful things that will help me wherever I go.”

On what’s next: “I eventually hope to work in broadcast news, but for the next two years I will pursuing a Masters of Broadcast Journalism at Emerson College in Boston, where I was awarded a Dean’s Fellowship.”